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In this update:
New Legislation to Combat Improper Spending
This week, I joined Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Sens. Chris Gebhard, Cris Dush, and Judy Ward to introduce legislation to combat improper payments in Pennsylvania. During the press conference, Treasurer Garrity announced that in fiscal year 2025-26, Treasury prevented $1.4 billion in improper payments, providing taxpayers with more than $75 million in savings. Over the past five years, the number of improper payments totaled nearly $5.5 billion dollars. Our legislation would require each commonwealth agency to perform a review and assessment of each program that is not already subject to the federal Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 to determine which programs are vulnerable to improper payments. An improper payment, as defined by federal law going back to 2002, includes any overpayment, underpayment or payment to ineligible recipients. At a minimum, we must hold state government to the same level of responsibility which we hold ourselves to in our own personal finances. There is no reason our government should be improperly spending more than a billion dollars every year. The hardworking people of Pennsylvania would not tolerate this in their homes, and I certainly will not stand for it in Harrisburg. You can click here to watch my comments or read the press release. Remembering Fallen NYCRPD Officers
Northern York County Regional Police Department Detective Sergeant Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker, and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser. One year ago, our community experienced a loss which forever changed us. One year later, their sacrifice remains just as profound. Their bravery is not forgotten, and their sacrifice is forever etched in our hearts. Last Chance for Public Comment on Shapiro Regulations
This Monday, Sept. 21, is the deadline to submit your public comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission regarding recently proposed broad new health regulations. These new regulations being pursued by Gov. Josh Shapiro outside of the legislative process would give state bureaucrats far more power to enter our homes, businesses, schools and doctor’s offices without a warrant. The regulations also propose allowing the Department of Health to speak to students without parental consent, access private health records, and impose mask mandates. These proposed regulations are being pursued unilaterally by the governor outside of the legislative process – without input from me or my colleagues. You can read the immense 502-page regulatory proposal here. We cannot allow any actions like we saw taken unilaterally by the executive branch during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to be put in place. The draconian shutdowns and overly restrictive mandates that restricted the lives and livelihoods of every Pennsylvanian during COVID-19 should never return to the commonwealth. Share the update with your family, friends, and fellow concerned neighbors here. In the District
On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists highjacked four airliners on America’s east coast, ultimately killing nearly 3,000 people in a coordinated attack orchestrated by the radical extremist group Al-Qaeda. This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at multiple ceremonies across the district to remember and honor those who lost their lives on that earth-shattering day, 25 years ago. We will never forget.
I had the honor of attending the ribbon cutting ceremonies for the Zarfos Furniture Building Apartments and Olive Branch Home in Red Lion and Minnich’s Pharmacy’s 80th Anniversary celebration in Spring Garden this week. I wish them both the very best!
Rep. Mike Jones and I appreciated the opportunity to meet so many local neighbors, healthcare providers, and caregivers at the Golden Connections Community Center’s open house. It was an incredible turnout and great to see so many familiar faces in York Township! ICYMI: Podcast on the Impact of 2nd Degree Murder on Victim Families
My latest episode of Kristin’s Corner explores a recent state Supreme Court ruling that deemed second-degree murder unconstitutional in Pennsylvania. The Senate approved two bills with bipartisan support to address the court’s ruling. Unfortunately, the issue has languished in the House of Representatives, where the fate of more than 1,100 convicted murderers is now in limbo. I recently sat down with Stella Getgen, the wife of second-degree murder victim Todd Getgen, and York County District Attorney Tim Barker to discuss the effects of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling and how Harrisburg politics is getting in the way of a bipartisan solution. Be sure to watch on Facebook and YouTube or listen on Apple and Spotify. Volunteers Needed for AARP Tax-Aide
As we prepare for the upcoming tax season, AARP is looking for volunteers for their free Tax-Aide program. Last year, AARP provided free tax filing services to more than 4,300 seniors in York County. This great work is not possible without the help of volunteers who are willing to help. I would encourage you to consider volunteering next year – no experience is required! To learn more, call 717-640-5006 or visit visit the York County AARP Foundation Tax-Aide webpage. Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action
Property owners scored a key victory this legislative session when the Senate approved a measure to protect and financially compensate them if targeted by eminent domain abuse. However, the House of Representatives has delayed movement of this bill for more than a year. Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be the location, access to utilities and other factors. This bill received unanimous support in the Senate, and there’s no reason for the House not to act. Read more about this bill and federal efforts to end eminent domain abuse here. Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something
As students settle in for the new school year, they should know about a resource available if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of themselves or others. Authorized by the General Assembly, Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late. Students can report concerns by phone at 844-723-2729, by emailing info@safe2saypa.org or on the Safe2Say website, where they can also download the Safe2Say Something app. “See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety
Pennsylvania recorded 56 collisions at rail grade crossings last year, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. There were also 34 deaths and 15 injuries involving people trespassing on rail property. Nationwide, a person or vehicle is struck by a train roughly every three hours. Railroad tracks are private property and should never be used as a walking path, shortcut or setting for photographs. Drivers and pedestrians should always expect a train, cross only at designated crossings and obey warning lights and crossing gates. “See Tracks? Think Train” Week Sept. 21-27 aims to raise awareness of the danger, reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and discourage trespassing on or near railroad tracks. You can find more rail safety information here. Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15
When a crisis strikes, faith-based communities are often among the first places people turn for help, hope and support. Houses of worship, nonprofits, schools and community organizations can learn how to play a vital role before, during and after a crisis via a free Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security webinar Oct. 15. Participants will gain practical tools and resources to help their organization respond with compassion, coordination and confidence. Learn more at the webinar registration page. October Mobile Office Hours: MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY!
Thursday, Oct. 1 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to our monthly office hours in Springettsbury Township, I will be partnering with WellSpan Health to offer mammograms! Appointments are required. Visit WellSpan Health’s website or call (717) 466-2666 to schedule yours!
Thursday, Oct. 15 We look forward to bringing these resources directly to the community and helping residents access the support they deserve. Learn more about special events that will prioritize certain state-related services throughout the year at our mobile offices. Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects
Most weeks, PennDOT provides me with its upcoming maintenance schedule. While my team and I aim to keep this information up to date, please note that the page may not always reflect the latest changes. For the most accurate details, I recommend checking back on Friday afternoons or over the weekend, as we usually receive updates from PennDOT on Fridays. You can view the full list here to see if any roadwork might impact you and your family. |
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